About the National Academy: The National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism at the University of Denver’s mission will be to provide programming and foster research among students, faculty and staff on the values of free expression, civil discourse, and pluralism. This will be accomplished in community with several of the country's most prominent scholars and practitioners who represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experience and thought. Curricular and co-curricular experiences on free expression and pluralism will made available to all students; grants will be provided to support internal and external research projects dedicated to free expression; and visiting faculty and speakers will be given a platform to share their experiences and expertise. Over time, the National Academy will expand its reach beyond the university community, with a focus on turning theory and thinking into action and impact by launching a Scholars-in-Residence program to host leading thinkers/researchers, convening an Annual Summit on Pluralism, developing an essential K-12 civil discourse pedagogy, and offering civil discourse training to the corporate community—among other initiatives.

Position Overview: The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the National Academy. This individual will be responsible for advancing the National Academy’s mission, leading fundraising to support a $75-100M program, overseeing its initiatives, and representing the Academy both within the university and in the broader community. The Executive Director will work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, and external partners to advance a vibrant and inclusive institution for free expression and pluralistic discourse.

Contact Information: For inquiries, please contact Casey Enders, Project Manager, at casey@resolveinc.net or 571-251-6563. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Lead initiatives to position the Academy and DU as national thought leaders in free expression and pluralism.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan and a supporting roadmap to advance the National Academy’s mission and goals.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, partnerships, and innovation.
• Convene and manage the engagement of the Advisory Board on key strategic questions and opportunities.
• Drive outreach efforts to increase visibility and build strategic relationships.

2. Fundraising and Financial Management:

• Develop and execute a fundraising strategy and business plan to raise $75-100M to support the National Academy’s ongoing and expanding programs and operations.
• Manage the National Academy’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance with university policies.

3. Program Development and Management:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the National Academy’s programs and initiatives, including lectures, workshops, conferences and research projects.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate free expression and pluralism into curricular and co-curricular activities (or opportunities).

4. Community Engagement:

• Foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students and student organizations, university departments, community groups and donors.
• Build collaboration with other institutions and universities engaged in work to support free expression and pluralism.
• Drive awareness of the National Academy and its mission by serving as the primary spokesperson.
• Leverage internal and external opportunities to advance the mission.

5. Administration:

• Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations and maintain a strong work culture, including supervising staff and providing guidance and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
• Ensure effective administrative operations, including grant management, reporting and compliance.
• Manage daily operations, ensuring efficient and effective strategic outcomes.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• At least seven to ten (7-10) years of experience in senior management/leadership, ideally in higher education, non-profit management, or a related field, or a similarly significant record as a widely acknowledged thought leader in free expression, civil discourse, pluralism, or related domains.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising, program development and public relations.
• Demonstrated success growing organizations, building networks, and achieving strategic goals.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to advancing the values of the National Academy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with an innovative approach to business planning.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse team.
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization.
• Exceptional communication skills and proven ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically to address complex issues and challenges.

Compensation

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $170,000 - $300,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In recognition of the diverse expertise candidates may bring, there may be flexibility for individuals with exceptional credentials or significant experience.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.